Carlo Ancelotti: Neymar Inclusion Depends on Form, Not Sentiment
Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar’s spot in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad will be decided on fitness and form alone, as he finalizes his high-intensity plan for the tournament.
The coach says sentiment won’t decide it - Neymar needs to prove he can meet the demands of Brazil’s 2026 World Cup plan...
Carlo Ancelotti faces a nation watching closely as he prepares Monday’s Brazil squad announcement, with one question dominating the mood in Rio de Janeiro: will Neymar make the cut?
At 34, Neymar is Brazil’s top scorer ever, but his spot at the 2026 World Cup - starting next month - is uncertain after years of injuries and a quiet return to Santos.
That puts Ancelotti in a tough spot, balancing sentiment with the hard reality of fitness as he sets out his high-intensity plan for the five-time champions.
“When you have to choose, you have to consider many things,” the coach told Reuters in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.
Ancelotti spoke with Reuters at the Brazilian Football Confederation’s headquarters in Rio, with Barra da Tijuca in the background, discussing the tricky selection decision with the calm composure that’s marked his decorated coaching career.
The Italian is the only manager to win league titles in all of Europe’s top five leagues, and has won a record five Champions League trophies as a coach, plus two more as a player.
Beloved but Uncertain
Few squad calls will face as much scrutiny as this one. Neymar’s teammates have spoken out in favor of his inclusion, while fans remain torn between their loyalty to him and doubts about whether his body can still match the speed of his ideas.
“I know full well that Neymar is much loved, not only by the public but also by the players,” Ancelotti said.
“This is also a factor, because we have to consider the atmosphere that will surround Neymar's call-up. It's not as if I'm going to drop a bombshell in the dressing room. He's very well-liked, he's very much loved.
“I think it's normal for the players to express their opinion. I'm grateful to everyone who has given me advice; I thank you all. But ultimately, the right person to make this decision, the one best placed to do so, is me.”
Ancelotti said the players’ appeals didn’t sway his decision, except for confirming one thing: Neymar wouldn’t cause issues within the squad.
The dressing room isn’t what worries him. It’s the outside noise and media frenzy that could become a problem.
“The internal atmosphere, I don't think it will affect the team at all. The atmosphere is a very positive, very clean one, and no matter which player is in the squad, it will remain positive and clean right to the end,” Ancelotti said.
“But I can't control the external atmosphere and what the media says.“
Fit for the System?
The real question is whether Neymar still matches the style Ancelotti wants to play. The coach is looking for four forwards who can run, press, and track back - demands that are tough for a player who hasn’t had a consistent run of games in years.
🚨CARLO ANCELOTTI:
— Ginga Bonito 🇧🇷 (@GingaBonitoHub) May 12, 2026
“Neymar is very LOVED. Not only by the people, but also by the players. If you call up Neymar, you are not bringing a problem into the dressing room, because he is very liked, very loved. I think it’s normal for everyone to give their opinion. I thank everyone… pic.twitter.com/JncthVHlkj
Still, Ancelotti noted that Neymar’s fitness has been trending in the right direction.
“He has improved his fitness a lot in recent matches,” Ancelotti said.
“He has played some very good matches lately. His fitness has improved. He can maintain a high intensity in a match. But there are matches and matches...”
Ancelotti said the call on Neymar’s selection will rest entirely with him.
“I haven't been pressured by anyone to call up Neymar. I have complete autonomy,” he said. “The decision will be 100% professional. I will only take into account how he is performing as a footballer. Nothing else.
“Can I draw up a perfect squad? Impossible! But I can draw up a squad with fewer mistakes than others who might do so. Of that I am certain.”
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